MotoGP 2025 Czech Republic Grand Prix Preview

Written by Finn Glover, Edited by Marit Everett

Brno is back | Credit: MotoGP

Brno is back! After 5 years away from the MotoGP schedule, the fan’s pledges have been realised; Brno is back for MotoGP. The Czech Grand Prix returns as the championship heads into the second half of the season. It marks the last race before the four week summer break. 

No form guides to go off, no clue as to what the track may be like—we could be in for an absolute treat for this weekend’s action...

The Czech Republic Grand Prix: Brno Circuit

The gorgeous T8-9 section of the Brno circuit | Credit: 2025 MotoGP Brno

Nestled in the heartland of the Czech forest, the Brno Circuit is a dearly missed phenomenon. Once a staplemate on the MotoGP calendar, the track is 3.357 miles long—one of MotoGP’s longest. The fourteen corners twist and tribulate through the trees; with wide asphalt and heavy braking zones inviting opportunities for fabulous racing. 

2025 marks a great return to major series’ racing to Brno, with Czech company SHAKAI taking control of the track's assets in 2023. This was done in an attempt to reestablish the track's pedigree and calibre that made it a fan favourite many years ago. Not only MotoGP, but the Ferrari Challenge Europe also returns to the track this year, as the new owners look to halt the sad decline that perpetuated the news surrounding the track in past years. 

The track itself is a relatively simplistic layout, long sweeping corners occasionally mixed with heavy braking zones—making racing here an extreme pleasure for the riders. Long straights make for easy overtaking but the typical ‘old-school’ gravel traps common in European racetracks mean risk versus reward is a common theme on riders' minds. 

Past Results

It was Binder brilliance last time out at Brno in 2020 | Credit: MotoGP

With no races since 2020, and 10 riders having never had a MotoGP race here, there are no real expectations coming into this weekend. Last time out in 2020, it was KTM’S Brad Binder, in what was his rookie season, taking his first ever win in the category—a performance that became an instant classic and an apt farewell to a fabulous racetrack. 

Previously, Brno was a circuit governed by Japanese manufacturers, with the Honda’s and Yamaha’s taking all wins here since 2008, with the exception being Andrea Dovizioso’s brilliant victory in 2018. Along with Binder, Marc Márquez is the only other rider to have won a MotoGP race here, yet all of Enea Bastianini, Álex Márquez, Miguel Oliviera, Johann Zarco, Joan Mir and Fabio Di Giannantonio have won in the junior categories.

As mentioned, the circuit blends itself to fabulous racing, with many of the races being held here being considered classics. One notable example is 2016, where Cal Crutchlow claimed a phenomenal victory on a LCR Honda in treacherous conditions. 

Key Notices

Jorge Martin returns to racing this weekend | Credit: MotoGP

The champion is back! After an awful return in Lusail, only making himself even more injured, Jorge Martín will be hoping this return is permanent. The Spaniard, who has not finished a MotoGP race since November, returns to action on the Aprilia, ending the extended stand-in period for Lorenzo Savadori. He may be a champion, but there are no high expectations or hopes for Martín this weekend, who will likely be treating it as a tryout before going at it fully after the break. 

Still out, however, is Somkiat Chantra. The Thai rider's awful training accident means he misses out again, with rumours circulating that Takaaki Nakagami will make his third appearance of the season, on a third different Honda bike, and replace Chantra for the weekend.

Could Pol Espargaró make his first appearance of 2025? | Credit: MotoGP

The aftereffects of Tech3 KTM’s Sachsenring nightmare will lay over into Brno, with Maverick Vinales evidently ruled out and Pol Espargaró seemingly set to replace him this weekend. Bastianini however, seems to be returning. His participation will be evaluated come the start of the weekend.

The final member of the Sachsenring absentees, Franco Morbidelli, will also be looking to race this weekend after his crash in the wet sprint. As of yet, the news of his participation has not been announced.

After the attrition-fest of the German Grand Prix, Marc Márquez extended his championship lead even more, now leading his brother by 83 points at the halfway point of the season. Hopefully this weekend more than just the 10 riders who finished the German Grand Prix will last out in Brno, with the race last weekend marking the lowest percentage of classified finishers in a MotoGP race since the era began in 2002. 

Who will reign victorious on MotoGP’s return to the Czech Republic? | Credit: MotoGP

So, what will the final MotoGP race before the summer break have in store? Brno is back, Marc Márquez will be looking to extend his championship lead even more and Jorge Martín is finally returning.

Get ready for the action, and the return of one of MotoGP’s most flowing, fabulous and fast racetracks on the schedule. Lights out is at 1PM BST.